Fly-tipper caught on camera fined

Andy Hubbert

A fly-tipper has been left with a bill for more than £1,000 after littering a lay-by with used boxes and crates.

South Kesteven District Council prosecuted Irena Kundrotaite after she admitted dropping two empty cardboard boxes and two empty crates at the stopping point at Swaton on the A52 in July 2014.

She pleaded guilty to contravening the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Grantham Magistrates’ Court on December 17.

The court heard how the council’s CCTV cameras at the lay-by captured images of her discarding the items onto the verge on July 26 last year from the van used by Kundrotaite and her partner to run their retail business in Grantham.

Kundrotaite, of Franklin Crescent, Sleaford, was then seen returning to the van and leaving the scene.

In mitigation she said she did not realise it was an offence to drop the items and did not see the signs advising cameras could be in operation.

Presiding magistrate Ian McDonnell described the action as “reckless” as he fined her £300, ordered her to pay costs of £700 and a £30 victim surcharge.

He said: “You pleaded guilty to this offence and we think as a director of a business you would be aware you cannot just throw your rubbish anywhere.

“We are regarding this as reckless but with respect to the category it is at the lowest end of risk or harm, a band C fine.”

SKDC’s portfolio holder for Healthy Environment Coun Nick Craft said afterwards: “The lay-by has been a fly-tipping hotspot so cameras were installed along with signage to monitor the area.

“We’re pleased this investment has been worthwhile to publicise how mindless fly-tipping can blight our beautiful rural landscapes in South Kesteven.

“This is a clear message that fly-tipping is unacceptable and our mobile and fixed CCTV cameras will continue to monitor the district to identify those who flout the rules.

“We remind all businesses that they require a trade waste agreement to ensure their waste is legally disposed of.”